cleaning

With the rollout of vaccines for the novel coronavirus now beginning for populations considered 'at risk', we have hope for 2021 returning to some level of normalcy. Still, the rollout will take time, and with mutant strains and outbreaks still making headlines, we continue to provide commercial biohazard cleaning, also known as a COVID-19 deep clean.  According to SafeWork Australia, “You are not expected, and should not try, to diagnose workers. However, you have a work health and safety duty to minimise the risk of workers and others in the workplace being exposed to COVID-19 so far as reasonably practicable.” After isolating the person and ensuring they have access to the medical attention required, close off the affected areas and do not let others use or enter them until they’ve been disinfected. Open outside doors and windows if possible to increase airflow.  Your state or territory public health unit will identify contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case and provide them with instructions.  All areas that were used by the person/s concerned must be deep cleaned and disinfected according to information relevant to your industry.  How clean is clean? Our specialist services are suitable for most biological hazards, including forensic cleaning and mould removal. Antiviral cleaning requires a particular set of chemicals and tools to be carried out within Australian health guidelines, as it is different from cleaning away bacterial hazards. You have more bacteria in your gut and on your skin than human cells in your entire body. However, most of these are a helpful colony known as your microbiome. In fact, the cells in your gut play a significant role in your immune system.  Problems occur when certain kinds of bacteria get into places where they can cause harm through infection or intoxication. The dilemma of where they spread is well framed in this cheeky viral campaign by Dettol NZ. It shows us that clean isn't always clean, especially when it comes to our clothes. Real viruses are even tougher. According to the WHO: "It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems likely to behave like other coronaviruses. A recent review of the survival of human coronaviruses on surfaces found large variability, ranging from 2 hours to 9 days".  What's the difference between antiviral cleaning and antibacterial cleaning? Without going too much into biology, bacteria are cells with mitochondria, capable of self-replicating. Viruses, on the other hand, rely on 'hijacking' a host cell to replicate and spread their genetic code. Viruses are not classified as being alive; they have no cell membrane, no metabolism, no respiration - they are a parasite. Of around 2,000 viruses identified in the world, only roughly 10% infect humans. Simple soap disrupts a bacterium's cell wall (with enough friction, say from 20 seconds of handwashing). But there is no cell membrane in a virus, and no evidence that soap alone 'kills' viruses; rather it balls them up in surfactant to 'roll' them off your hands with rinsing. So what happens for a biohazard clean up? For surfaces near to where a person infected with COVID-19 has been, the WHO recommends the following: 70% ethyl alcohol to disinfect small areas such as reusable dedicated equipment (for example, thermometers); sodium hypochlorite at 0.1% (1000 ppm) for disinfecting surfaces; and, for areas where fecal contact has occurred, commercially available quaternary ammonium compounds, such as cetylpyridinium chloride, used according to manufacturer's instructions, and peracetic or peroxyacetic acid at concentrations of 500−2000 mg/L. [1] Experienced, specialised deep cleaning Kleenit has been working in specialised cleaning, including meth lab remediation, forensic cleaning, and mould removal, for more than a decade. With a national network of Kleenit professionals, we're able to provide peace of mind in all settings, from schools, government buildings and shopping centres, to foodservice outlets and strata disinfection. We also provide a certificate on completion after a COVID-19 clean.  [1] World Health Organisation, Water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus, 23 April 2020, https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331846/WHO-2019-nCoV-IPC_WASH-2020.3-eng.pdf Retrieved 21 January 2021

The complete testing and deep cleaning service for meth-contaminated properties ​Last year, Australian police busted 744 clandestine methamphetamine labs. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg as it’s estimated only one in ten labs are discovered. Buyers and renters are increasingly aware of the health consequences of living in a meth-contaminated property and many are now insisting on meth-free certification before they move in. ​We can test any property for drug-related contamination – and, where necessary, deep clean to remediate the home to restore a safe, clean living environment. Meth, an invisible threat to public health The illegal manufacture of the highly-addictive drug methamphetamine – meth, crystal meth or ice – involves a concoction of extremely dangerous and toxic chemicals. And the drug itself permeates furniture, walls, carpets, heating and air conditioning systems and a property’s entire plumbing system and can remain at unsafe levels for months or even years. Living in a former meth lab, therefore, has serious health consequences. Even a property that has not been used as a lab but has seen heavy meth use is potentially toxic. ​Kleenit’s Meth Lab Remediation highly-trained technicians can test for meth levels and then begin a thorough cleanup and decontamination of the property. It’s a highly-specialised and potentially dangerous process that should only ever be left to the professionals. Clandestine meth labs could be operating closer than you think New methods of cooking meth are comparatively odour-free meaning clandestine labs no longer need to be hidden in rural or remote areas. Today, labs are commonly found in city and suburban residences and in sheds, garages and other outbuildings. Some have even been discovered in million-dollar rental homes. The dangers of meth production The illicit manufacture of meth uses a long shopping list of highly-toxic products and dangerous and flammable chemicals including phosphorous, ether, acetone, ammonia, drain cleaner, naphtha, hydrogen peroxide and various corrosive acids. ​For every kilogram of meth produced, it’s estimated that there are six kilos of toxic waste left behind and evident social damage. The invisible, long-lasting menace Methamphetamine vapour permeates almost everything it touches including furniture, carpets, insulation and even plaster walls; and traces can remain for years. The manufacturing process also contaminates heating, ventilation and plumbing systems. Even if a clandestine lab has been operating for only a few weeks, it’s enough to pollute a property with unsafe, unliveable levels of the drug. Meth makes you ill Even small, residual traces of this highly-powerful drug will make you ill. So a home that hasn’t been used as a lab but whose occupants have been heavy drug users poses a risk. ​Health issues include respiratory problems especially in those who suffer from asthma, behavioural changes in children, headaches, sleep pattern changes and eye and skin irritations plus an overall increased susceptibility to illness. Before and after testing When we are asked to clean a former meth lab, our technicians’ first step is to test key areas for contamination levels. We test for meth, MDMA (ecstasy) and heavy metals. This helps us to determine the scale of the problem and develop an appropriate plan of action. It also gives us a baseline level so that we can compare these figures with our post-cleanup test results. All samples are independently assayed by an approved laboratory and can be used, if necessary, for legal or insurance purposes. Deep cleaning and decontaminating your property Before we start cleaning, we remove and dispose of any contaminated furniture, household items and fixtures which pose a health hazard. We also remove any left-over chemical waste or equipment from the former lab. ​​Next, we deep clean every surface that has been exposed to meth using specialist equipment and chemicals imported from the USA. Our fogging technique increases the effectiveness of the decontamination solvents and ensures a quick and effective result. ​​Air conditioners and plumbing systems are also made safe. Swabs are then taken to ensure the surfaces are completely clean and meth residue-free. ​Our technicians use the appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment to guarantee a fast, risk-free result. Discreet, any time meth cleaning or screening services No one wants to find their property has been used as a meth lab or subject to heavy meth use and we fully understand the social stigma and inconvenience this can bring. Our Kleenit remediation technicians are professional, experienced and discreet. They can work at a time to suit you and will do everything they can to expedite a fast cleanup with the minimum of disruption to you or your neighbours. Meth-free certification As the scourge of illegal meth labs sweeps through suburbia, many prospective tenants and house buyers are asking for proof that a property is meth-residue free. ​We can professionally test any property and issue you with a certificate showing the property is a safe, meth-free environment. Who uses our service? Our clients include both residential and commercial property owners, landlords, real estate agents, property managers, local councils and government departments in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, including regional areas.